From The Sunday Times
November 15, 2009RAF plans huge cuts in planes and bases
Michael Smith

Air Force chiefs are preparing to cut 10,000 staff â a quarter of their manpower â and close up to five large air bases.

The plans will reduce the RAFâs strength to 31,000 personnel over the next five years, little more than half the level during the recent Iraq conflict and seriously diminishing its capability of fighting another conventional war.

It also intends to retire the majority of its Harrier and Tornado jets early, leaving it with about 80 fewer aircraft by 2025. The cuts are part of a package prepared for the 2010 annual spending round.

They are designed to pre-empt the savage cuts expected as part of the strategic defence review promised by whichever party wins power in next yearâs general election.

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A senior RAF officer said the plans were designed to save âsignificant amounts of money, measured in billions of pounds a yearâ rather than having them forced on the service by the review.

The RAF has 19 flying bases in the UK, but the reduction in aircraft means up to five are expected to be closed and sold over the next decade.
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RAF plans huge cuts in planes and bases